Yale scientists reveal what really slows aging and what doesn't

A recent study from Yale University has uncovered which anti-aging treatments are effective and which are not. The research team, led by assistant professor Albert Higgins-Chen, analyzed data from 51 clinical studies to determine how well various interventions slow biological aging. Biological age refers to the age of our body's cells, as measured by DNA-based blood tests, and can be influenced by certain medications and lifestyle changes, according to the findings published in Nature Medicine.

Among the treatments studied, prescription medications like metformin and semaglutide, as well as anti-TNF therapies, were found to have a significant impact on biological age. These medications are typically used to manage metabolic conditions and body weight, and target an immune-system protein involved in inflammation. In contrast, popular over-the-counter supplements did not produce the same measurable effects on biological age.

Researchers also examined the effects of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. A combination of regular physical activity and a healthy eating plan consistently resulted in reduced epigenetic age. The dietary approaches shown to be effective included Mediterranean, low-fat, and low-carb diets. However, some medical procedures did not show significant reductions in biological age.

The study highlights the importance of using blood-based measurements called epigenetic clocks to estimate a person's biological age. These biomarkers can help researchers evaluate the effectiveness of anti-aging treatments without necessarily guaranteeing longer life or the prevention of age-related diseases. The findings could help scientists evaluate anti-aging treatments more effectively in the future.